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MEDIAL TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME – aka ‘Shin Splints’

MTSS is one of the most common exercise induced, overuse leg problems. It is associated with poor shock absorption which results in excessive load through the tibia (shin bone) causing pain and inflammation. Overuse of the muscles in the calf are thought to be a big causative factor of the pathology. Excessive foot collapse or high arches, hard training surfaces, and poor footwear may cause the leg muscles to work even harder than usual which enhances the risk of shin splints.
MECHANISMS OF INJURY:
1) TRACTION INDUCED PERIOSTITIS: inflammation of the sheath that covers your shin bone
causing pain
2) MICRO TRAUMA: inflammation and tiny micro damage to the shin bone because of the
stress put through it, resulting in inflammation of the sheath covering the shin bone.
RISK FACTORS:
– Increased hip external rotation
– Flat or high arched foot
– Enlarged calf muscle
– Increased internal rotation of the shin bone
– Muscle dysfunction
– Females are more susceptible
– Running history of at least 5 years or exercising ‘too fast too soon’
– Exercising on hard surfaces
– Increased BMI
– Running or jumping activities

– Previous history of shin splints

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.